Galleries use accent lighting to focus on individual pieces.
Gallery lighting serves two purposes; one is to provide lighting that presents the display in its best light and the other is lighting that will not cause any undue damage to the artwork. The use of conservation lighting and professional lighting designers give the exhibit the best possible chance of success.
Prevention/Solution
Galleries and museums use low-temperature lighting for paintings created in watercolor, silk and color photographs. These are light-sensitive materials and prone to damage. Oil paintings can be displayed for longer periods of time at more intense lighting. If a delicate piece needs more accent lighting, then it will be displayed with limited exposure time.
Considerations
Lighting designers must take into consideration the room configuration to design the most pleasing display. The amount of natural light and the architecture of the building are additional elements that the designer will also take into account.
Lighting Alternatives
Luminous ceilings can be used as an alternative to natural light and tend to provide diffused lighting which is softer and less direct. This type of lighting mimics natural light and should be used in higher ceilings due to the amount of heat this gives off.
